Weight
85g
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
R5
Dawei R5 is a stiff offensive table tennis blade built for players who thrive on direct, powerful attacks. It delivers a controlled yet fast performance ideal for close-to-the-table aggressive play, featuring a linear feel and low throw angle that rewards a straightforward hitting style. While its stiffness provides excellent consistency and power for drives, it may feel less forgiving for players who rely heavily on spin generation and flexible blade response. This 5-ply all-wood construction is a no-nonsense choice for attackers who value speed and a direct connection over dwell time and cushioning.
The blade features a symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction with undisclosed wood types. This traditional layering contributes to its characteristic stiffness and direct feel, providing consistent performance across the entire blade surface for reliable offensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Dawei R5 earns a solid offensive speed rating, delivering fast, direct power ideal for aggressive attacks. Its stiff construction provides excellent energy transfer for drives and smashes, though players report it doesn't have the extreme catapult of some top-tier blades. This makes it fast yet manageable for players who can harness its linear power effectively.
Control on the R5 is respectable for an offensive blade, offering good directness and consistency for players with a precise technique. Its stiffness requires a confident stroke to maintain accuracy, especially during spin exchanges. Many players find it plays very controlled for its speed level, making it a reliable choice for direct attacking play.
Dawei R5 delivers a distinctly hard and stiff feel that provides direct, unfiltered feedback. This sensation translates to powerful, crisp contact with minimal cushioning, which some players love for its honesty while others may find it less forgiving on off-center hits. The ultra-stiff character defines the entire playing experience.
Dawei R5 produces a low throw angle that complements its linear, direct playing style. This characteristic helps keep shots flat and fast, ideal for players who prefer to drive through the ball rather than lift it with high arc. The low trajectory supports aggressive, penetrating attacks.
Dwell time is medium-low due to the blade's stiff construction, which doesn't allow the ball to sink deeply into the wood. This characteristic favors quick, direct shots over prolonged contact, making it better suited for drives and blocks than for heavy spin generation that requires longer ball contact.
Flexibility is quite low, with the R5 exhibiting minimal bending or give during strokes. This stiffness enhances power transfer for direct shots but reduces the blade's ability to flex and generate spin through dwell time, making it best suited for players who create power through technique rather than blade flex.
Vibration levels are medium-high, reflecting the blade's stiff nature that transmits feedback directly to the hand. Players experience clear, noticeable vibrations on contact, providing immediate information about shot quality without excessive dampening that might obscure feel.
Dawei R5 demonstrates good overall build quality, particularly noted for its excellent consistency from blade to blade. The construction feels solid and reliable, offering dependable performance that matches its intended design. It represents solid value for players seeking a stiff, offensive platform without premium pricing.
Technology
Dawei R5 employs a traditional 5-ply all-wood construction where material selection and bonding processes are optimized to create exceptional stiffness. While specific wood types aren't disclosed, this approach maximizes power transfer and direct feel by minimizing energy absorption. The technology focuses on creating a consistent, linear response that benefits players who generate power through stroke mechanics rather than relying on blade flex or catapult effects.
Similar Blades
Dawei R2
Dawei R2 serves as a natural alternative, offering similar offensive capabilities with a noticeably softer and more flexible feel. Players who find the R5 too stiff might prefer the R2's increased dwell time and slightly more forgiving nature while maintaining good speed and power for attacking play.
Dawei Bomb 729
Dawei Bomb 729 presents a different speed character, often described with more pronounced catapult or 'corky' fast qualities compared to the R5's linear response. Players seeking a more dynamic feel or different type of acceleration might explore the Bomb 729 as an alternative offensive option.